June 1, 2011, ABS-CBN, Moro rebels grill 10 over Maguindanao kidnapping,

June 1, 2011, ABS-CBN, Moro rebels grill 10 over Maguindanao kidnapping,

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - More than 10 people are now in the custody of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following the recent kidnapping of a trader in Nuro Upi, Maguindanao.

The 10 individuals were invited for questioning regarding the case, according to the secessionist rebel group.

MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu said they want to identify those responsible for the abduction.

"Meron na tayong mga inimbitahan, para malaman yung linkages nila with other principal suspects. They are invited to shed light on the incident," Kabalu said.

He said the 10, who are now in Camp Darapan for investigation, are not yet considered as suspects in the kidnapping.

Meanwhile, the presence of the MILF troops in Mother Kabuntalan town is being coordinated with the Philippine government authorities, Kabalu said.

He added that this is a part of the MILF's efforts in helping the government pin down the kidnapping suspects who are believed to be hiding in Kabuntalan areas.

The MILF in the area serves as blocking forces against the suspects and they are not in the village to cause harm in the community, Kabalu said.

"Hindi sila nandiyan para gumawa ng kabulastugan," he added.

The MILF forces will be deployed in the area until the suspects in the kidnapping are apprehended, according to Kabalu.

He said the MILF will also punish any of its members found guilty of involvement in the abduction.